Applying Grout to Ceramic Tile

Grout Materials Required

• Water
• Grout mix
• Grout sealer

• Rubber Grout Float
• Sponge
• Bucket for grout
• Bucket for cool clean water
• Drill with Mixing Bit
• Safety glasses
• Knee pads
• Dusk mask
• Vacuum

Safety first

Make sure you wear safety glasses when applying grout. Also, use a mask when mixing the grout as it is very dusty. Finally, knee pads help to make the job less painful.

Mixing Grout Since grout plays both an aesthetic and functional role, it is important that the grout is applied properly. If the grout is not applied correctly, the grout could separate from the ceramic tiles over time leading to frequent repair and maintenance. Also, if the grout is not applied properly your ceramic tile project could become susceptible to water damage.

To begin the application of grout, first mix up the grout mix with the appropriate amount of water as per the grout instructions. It is best to pour the water into the bucket first and then slowly add in the grout mixture. Use the drill and mixing bit while pouring in the grout mixture.

Once the grout mixture is loose enough to flow, but not runny, it is of the correct consistency.

Applying Grout to Ceramic Tile To begin applying the grout, first remove any spacers that you may have placed between the ceramic tiles when installing them. Next make sure the ceramic tile area is clean from dust. You may want to run a vacuum hose over the ceramic tile area, focusing carefully on the seams where the grout will be applied. Starting in one corner of the ceramic tile area apply the grout to the ceramic tile using a rubber grout float. Work the grout float at a 45 degree angle over the seams. Make sure the grout is tightly worked into the seams.

Allow the grout to sit a few minutes and then using a sponge wipe the surface area of the ceramic tile to remove the dry film / haze. Remember to frequently rinse the sponge in the bucket of clean water. Also, when using the sponge, go carefully near the grout lines so that you do not inadvertently remove the grout from the ceramic tile seams.

If the ceramic tile area is a large area, you may need to apply grout in sections, as you do not want to allow the grout to set too long before wiping down the ceramic tiles.

After you have applied grout to the entire ceramic tile area, get a fresh bucket of water and again wipe down all of the ceramic tiles. You may need to repeat this process 2 or 3 times to totally eliminate the dry film / haze.

Allow the grout to cure per the grout manufacturers instructions and then apply a grout sealer.